The Apkallu: Demi-god Hybrids Representing the Seven Sages

Apkallu and the Seven Sages. Apkallu (Akkadian) or Abgal (Sumerian) are terms found in cuneiform inscriptions that in general mean either “wise” or “sage.” Namely, Utuabzu, “who ascended to heaven” who could be Enoch, writer of the Book of Enoch. In several contexts the Apkallu are seven demi-gods, sometimes described as part man and part fish, associated with human wisdom; these creatures are often referred to in scholarly literature as the Seven Sages. Each sage has an association with a specific mythic King. After the seventh sage and king, a deluge is said to have occurred. Records list further sages and further historic king pairings. Post-deluge, the sages are considered human, and in some texts are distinguished by being referred to as (Ummanu) not Apkallu. The terms Apkallu (as well as Abgal) is also used as an epithet for kings and gods as a mark of wisdom or knowledge. A further use of the term Apkallu is when referring to figurines used in apotropaic rituals; these figurines include fish-Man Hybrids Representing the Seven Sages, but also include bird-headed and other figures. In a later work by (Berossus) describing Babylonia, the Apkallu appear again, also described as fish-men who are sent by the gods to impart knowledge to people. In Berossus, the first one Oannes (a variant of Uanna) is said to have taught people the creation myth the Enuma Elis. The terms apkallu has multiple uses, but usually refers to some form of wisdom; translations of the term generally equate to English language uses of the terms “the wise” or “sage.” The story of Enoch “seventh from Adam” and his ascension to heaven has also been proposed to be a variant or influenced by the seventh apkallu Utuabzu who is also said to have ascended to heaven in the bit meseri. Oannes was once conjectured to be a form or another name of the ancient Babylonian god Ea. It is now thought that the name is the Greek form of the Babylonian Uanna, an Apkallu. Please watch the video for more information on the Seven Sages and Enoch. There are many videos on the Book of Enoch, Fallen Angels, Archangels, Angels and Giants my channel page, please visit mythology explored by ANCIENT MYSTERY on Youtube.